I am scheduled to race in my first-ever meet very soon. I am new to swimming and am very, very slow (to put it mildddly) and have the burden of falling into one of the most competitive age classification. Nonetheless, I am being encouraged to participate (who knows why).
There are no meets in my area before the one in which I am supposed to participate so I can't get a feeling for what to expect. Can someone please give me the lowdown? As likely the slowest swimmer (I'm not being self-deprecating, just realistic) will I be scorned? How embassassing will it be to finish say a 50 Free after the others in my heat have already gotten out of the pool? (My 50 free is on par with most other swimmers' 100 free. Ugh.)
Also, I understand that at some meets, the goal is to rack up team points for a team or workout group title. Can I contriibute to this in any way (remember, I'm the slowest swimmer in the pool)? Should I simply put my foot down and refuse to "race" -- waiting until next year when I will (presumable) be more prepared?
Parents
Former Member
I'll throw a few cents in.
You should race when you are ready and only if you want to. If this is something you don't want to do then don't do it. There will be other meets.
If you decide to swim then I can pretty much assure you that you
won't be scorned and in fact most people will appreciate the effort you put into it. If anyone gives you a hard time then you should dismiss them trolls and move on. It isn't all about being the fastest.
Fritz
I'll throw a few cents in.
You should race when you are ready and only if you want to. If this is something you don't want to do then don't do it. There will be other meets.
If you decide to swim then I can pretty much assure you that you
won't be scorned and in fact most people will appreciate the effort you put into it. If anyone gives you a hard time then you should dismiss them trolls and move on. It isn't all about being the fastest.
Fritz
